U.S. patent application number 13/655050 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for method and apparatus for operating mobile terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Se Hwan PARK, Young Joo PARK.
Application Number | 20130097668 13/655050 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48086904 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130097668 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Young Joo ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING MOBILE TERMINAL
Abstract
A method and apparatus for easily restricting a use right and
improving use convenience in a mobile terminal are provided. The
method includes displaying a profile list for selecting a set
operation mode of the mobile terminal from the displayed profile
list; setting an operation mode of the mobile terminal as the
selected operation mode, when the set operation mode is selected
from the displayed profile list; and displaying a screen associated
with the selected operation mode, wherein the set operation mode
includes an open mode to use all functions of the mobile terminal
and a limited mode to use only set functions.
Inventors: |
PARK; Young Joo;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; PARK; Se Hwan; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; |
Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Gyeonggi-do
KR
|
Family ID: |
48086904 |
Appl. No.: |
13/655050 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 21/36 20130101;
G06F 3/0482 20130101; H04W 12/06 20130101; H04M 1/665 20130101;
G06F 21/31 20130101; H04M 1/72519 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101;
G06F 2221/2149 20130101; H04M 2250/22 20130101; G06F 3/0485
20130101; H04M 1/72563 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/2 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/00 20060101
G06F021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0106502 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a mobile terminal, the method comprising:
displaying a profile list for selecting a set operation mode of the
mobile terminal from the displayed profile list; setting an
operation mode of the mobile terminal as the selected operation
mode, when the set operation mode is selected from the displayed
profile list; and displaying a screen associated with the selected
operation mode, wherein the set operation mode includes an open
mode to use all functions of the mobile terminal and a limited mode
to use only set functions.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying a screen associated
with the selected operation mode comprises: executing an
application corresponding to the limited mode, when the selected
operation mode is the limited mode; and displaying a screen
associated with the executed application.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein displaying a screen associated
with the selected operation mode comprises displaying a home screen
including icons corresponding to a plurality of applications
related to the limited mode.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying a profile list
comprises: displaying a locked screen including a profile icon for
setting an operation mode when a screen off state of a display unit
is released; and displaying the profile list when the profile icon
is selected.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting the operation
mode of the mobile terminal as a set operation mode of the
plurality of operation modes when a screen lock state of a display
unit is released; and displaying a screen associated with the set
operation mode.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying a locked
screen when a screen off state of a display unit is released;
releasing a screen lock state of the display unit when a touch
gesture of a user of a touchscreen in a state that the locked
screen is displayed; setting the operation mode of the mobile
terminal as an operation mode corresponding to the touch gesture of
the plurality of operation modes; and displaying a screen
associated with an operation mode corresponding to the touch
gesture.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein different touch gestures are
allocated to a part of the plurality of operation modes.
8. An apparatus for operating a mobile terminal, the apparatus
comprising: a display unit for displaying a set operation mode of
the mobile terminal from the displayed profile list; at least one
of a key input unit and a touchscreen for selecting a set operation
mode from the displayed profile list; and a controller setting an
operation mode of the mobile terminal as a selected operation mode
when the set operation mode is selected from the displayed profile
list, and controlling such that a screen associated with the
selected operation mode is displayed, wherein the set operation
mode includes an open mode to use all functions of the mobile
terminal and a limited mode to use only set functions.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller executes an
application corresponding to the limited mode when the selected
operation mode is the limited mode, and displays the screen
associated with the executed application.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller displays a
home screen including icons corresponding to a plurality of
applications, when there are the plurality of application
corresponding to the limited mode.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller displays a
locked screen including a profile icon for setting an operation
mode, when a screen off state of a display unit is released, and
controls displays the profile list, when the profile icon is
selected.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller sets the
operation mode of the mobile terminal as a set operation mode, when
a screen lock state of a display unit is released, and displays a
screen associated with the set operation mode.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller controls such
that a locked screen is displayed when a screen off state of a
display unit is released, releases a screen lock state of the
display unit when a touch gesture of a user of a touchscreen in a
state that the locked screen is displayed, sets the operation mode
of the mobile terminal as an operation mode corresponding to the
touch gesture of the plurality of operation modes; and displays a
screen associated with an operation mode corresponding to the touch
gesture.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller allocates
different touch gestures to a part of the plurality of operation
modes.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0106502 filed
in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Oct. 18, 2011, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a method and
apparatus for operating a mobile terminal, and more particularly,
to a method and apparatus capable of operating a mobile terminal in
various operation modes.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Modern mobile terminals include, for example, smartphones
controlled by on a touch, and performs multi-tasking. The mobile
terminal provides various functions such as games, the Internet and
call and include various content such as e-mails, moving images,
pictures and contact addresses to a user. However, a use right
functionality may be required for content due to reasons of billing
and security.
[0006] If a screen is turned on, a mobile terminal displays a
locked screen. When a predetermined password is input by the user,
the mobile terminal releases the locked state to allow the user to
use functions and content stored on the mobile terminal. Further, a
use right of the mobile terminal may be restricted by setting a
password to certain functions or content. However, to use functions
or content in which the use right is restricted, the user inputs a
password each time. This is very inconvenient for the user. In
general, because a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet
PC is a private terminal, only a single user would use it. That is,
the mobile terminal may be configured to be used by a single user.
Accordingly, when a password is set, because the user is
inconvenienced, the user does not generally use the use right
function to restrict the mobile terminal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above
problems, and provides a method and an apparatus for easily
restricting a use right and improving use convenience in a mobile
terminal. To accomplish this, the present invention provides a
method and an apparatus for operating a mobile terminal such that
an operation mode of the mobile terminal may be easily changed.
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method for operating a mobile terminal is provided. The method
includes displaying a profile list for selecting a set operation
mode of the mobile terminal from the displayed profile list;
setting an operation mode of the mobile terminal as the selected
operation mode, when the set operation mode is selected from the
displayed profile list; and displaying a screen associated with the
selected operation mode, wherein the set operation mode includes an
open mode to use all functions of the mobile terminal and a limited
mode to use only set functions.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an apparatus for operating a mobile terminal is provided. The
apparatus includes a display unit for displaying a set operation
mode of the mobile terminal from the displayed profile list; at
least one of a key input unit and a touchscreen for selecting a set
operation mode from the displayed profile list; and a controller
setting an operation mode of the mobile terminal as a selected
operation mode when the set operation mode is selected from the
displayed profile list, and controlling such that a screen
associated with the selected operation mode is displayed, wherein
the set operation mode includes an open mode to use all functions
of the mobile terminal and a limited mode to use only set
functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be more apparent from the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
mobile terminal, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a
mobile terminal, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for operating a mobile terminal,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a mobile terminal,
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for operating a mobile terminal,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described with
reference to the accompanying drawings in detail. The same
reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the
same or like parts. Detailed descriptions of well-known functions
and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid
obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.
[0017] A mobile terminal according to the present invention
includes various information and communication devices, multi-media
devices, and application devices such as digital broadcasting
player, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smartphone, tablet PC,
and hand-held PC as well as various mobile communication terminals
operating based on communication protocols corresponding to various
communication systems. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the mobile
terminal is a smartphone.
[0018] The mobile terminal according to the present invention
provides various operation modes to a user and may be operated in
an operation mode selected by the user. Further, the mobile
terminal provides an operation mode-setting menu such that the user
optionally sets an operation mode. That is, the operation mode
includes an open mode allowing a user to use all functions of the
mobile terminal and at least one limited mode allowing the user to
use only certain functions (e.g., call, Internet access, message
transmission, and the like). In particular, if a mobile terminal of
the present invention is in a limited mode, it displays only a
screen associated with the limited mode. For example, when only the
calling feature can be used in the mobile terminal, the terminal
displays only a call screen for calling a counterpart. The
characteristics of the present invention will be described in
detail below. However, in the following description of the present
invention, a detailed description of known functions and
configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make
the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile terminal of the present
invention includes a touchscreen 110, a key input unit 120, a
display unit 130, a memory 140, a Radio Frequency (RF)
communication unit 150, an audio processor 160, a SPeaKer (SPK), a
MICrophone (MIC), and a controller 170.
[0020] The touchscreen 110 is installed in the front of display
unit 130, and generates and transfers a touch event to the
controller 170 according to an operation of a user. The controller
170 can set a user right of a mobile terminal in response to the
touch event and controls the foregoing structural elements. The
user operation is classified into touch, tap, double tap, press,
drag, drag & drop, sweep, and the like. The touch is an
operation where a user pushes one point of a screen. The tap is an
operation where a user's finger is touches the screen and removed
his finger without moving the finger after touching one point. The
double tap is an operation where a user taps the screen twice. The
press is an operation where a finger is removed from a
corresponding point without moving the finger after touching it
longer than the tap. The drag is an operation where the user moves
his finger in a direction after one point is touched. The drag
& drop is an operation that removed a finger after a drag. The
sweep is an operation that removes a finger after moving it by
flipping (i.e., the sweep is a touch gesture in which the user
makes a skimming motion with a finger as if flipping a page of a
book) at high speed. The drag may also be called a scroll and the
sweep may be called a flick. The controller 170 distinguishes the
sweep and the drag from one another by the speed of movement.
Further, touchscreen 110 may be a resistive type, a capacitive
type, and a pressure type.
[0021] The key input unit 120 includes a plurality of input keys
and function keys for receiving input of numerals or character
information, and setting various functions. The function keys
includes arrow keys, side keys, and hot keys set to perform a
certain function. Further, the key input unit 120 generates and
transfers key signals associated with setting a use right and
function control of the mobile terminal to the controller 170. The
key signals includes a power on/off signal, a volume control
signal, and a screen on/off signal. The controller 170 controls the
foregoing structural elements according to the key signals. The key
input unit 120 may be implemented by a Qwerty keypad, a 3*4 keypad,
and a 4*3 keypad having a plurality of keys. Further, when a
touchscreen 110 of the mobile terminal is supported in the form of
a full touchscreen, the key input unit 120 includes at least one
side key for screen on/off and on/off of the mobile terminal, which
is provided at a side of a case of the mobile terminal.
[0022] The display unit 130 converts image data input from the
controller 170 into an analog signal and displays the analog
signal. That is, the display unit 130 provides various screens
based on the utilization of the mobile terminal, for example, a
locked screen, a home screen, an application execution screen, a
menu screen, a message creation screen, a calling screen, an
Internet screen, and a keypad screen. In particular, the display
unit 130 provides a part of the foregoing screens under the control
of the controller 170. The locked screen is an image displayed when
a screen of the display unit 130 become large. If a certain touch
event for lock release occurs, the controller 170 switches a
displayed image from a locked screen to a home screen or an
application execution screen. The home screen is an image with a
plurality of application icons corresponding to a plurality of
applications. If one is selected from a plurality of application
icons by a user, the controller 170 executes a corresponding
application and switch a displayed image to an execution screen of
a corresponding application. Further, the display unit 130 divides
a screen into a plurality of regions under the control of the
controller 170 and displays the divided regions on different
screens. For example, the display unit 130 divides a screen into a
first region and a second region, displays an application execution
screen on the first region, and displays a keypad screen on the
second region.
[0023] The display unit 130 may be configured as a flat panel
display such as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Organic Light Emitted
Diode (OLED), or Active Matrix Organic Light Emitted Diode
(AMOLED). Further, the display unit 130 includes a 3D implementing
part for displaying a left eye image and a right eye image and
controlling such that a user feels a depth feeling for displayed
left/right eye images. The 3D implement type is divided into a
glasses type and an auto-stereoscopic type. The glasses type
includes a color filter type, a deflection filter type, and a
shutter glass type, and the auto-stereoscopic type includes a
lenticular lens type and a parallax barrier type.
[0024] Memory 140 stores various data as well as an Operating
System (OS) of a mobile terminal and applications necessary for the
present invention. The memory 140 includes a program area and a
data area.
[0025] The data area of the memory 140 stores data created by the
controller 160 based on the use of the mobile terminal. Further,
the data area stores the foregoing screens displayed on the display
unit 130. A keypad screen and a menu screen of the screens may be
in various forms. That is, the keypad screen may be in the form of
3*4 or QWERTY. Further, the menu screen includes a screen switch
key (e.g., a return key for returning a screen to a previous
screen) for switching a screen and a control key for controlling a
currently executed application. In particular, a menu screen
according to the present invention includes a setting key for
setting an operation mode. The setting is displayed to overlap a
locked screen, an application execution, and a home screen as an
icon form. Further, the data area temporarily stores data copied
from messages, photographs, web pages, and documents by the user
for inspiring. Moreover, the data area stores various setting
values (e.g., screen brightness, presence of vibration and
automatic screen rotation upon touch occurrence) for operating the
mobile terminal. In particular, the memory 140 of the present
invention stores a setting value associated with an operation mode.
The setting value associated with the operation mode is in a format
as illustrated in Table 1. In Table 1, a setting value of an open
mode is a default value automatically set when the mobile terminal
is booted. Operation modes and a profile list including setting
values by operation modes as listed in Table 1 is directly created
by the user. To do this, the mobile terminal provides a menu screen
that allows the user to create the operation modes and setting
values thereof
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Operation modes Setting value Open mode ALL
Call mode Only call Internet mode Only Internet "My Kids" mode Only
applications associated with children's song and games
[0026] The program area stores the OS for booting the mobile
terminal and operating the foregoing structural elements, and
applications for supporting various functions, for example, a user
function for supporting a call function, a web browser accessing to
an Internet server, an MP3 user function for playing other sound
sources, and photographs. In particular, the program area stores an
application that provides various operation modes to the user and
supports a function operation in an operation mode selected by the
user. The application is set to be automatically executed when the
mobile terminal is booted, and include a routine controlling a
display unit 130 to display only a restrictive screen according to
a limited mode and a routine capable of optionally setting an
operation mode by the user.
[0027] The RF communication unit 150 forms a communication channel
for voice call, a communication channel for videophone call, and a
communication channel for data such as images or messages under the
control of the controller 170. That is, the RF communication unit
150 forms a voice call channel, a data communication channel, and a
videophone call channel between mobile communication systems. To
accomplish this, the RF communication unit 150 includes an RF
transmitter for up-converting a frequency of a signal for
transmission and amplifying the signal, and an RF receiver for
low-noise-amplifying a received signal and down-converting a
frequency of the signal.
[0028] The audio processor 160 transmits an audio signal input from
the controller 170 to a speaker SPK, and transfers an audio signal
such as a voice input from a microphone MIC to the controller 170.
That is, the audio processor 160 converts voice/sound data into an
audible sound, and output the audio sound through the speaker SPK
under the control of the controller 170. The audio processor 160
converts an audio signal such as a voice received from the
microphone MIC into a digital signal, and transfer the digital
signal to the controller 170.
[0029] The controller 170 performs a function that controls an
overall operation and signal flow between internal structural
elements of the mobile terminal, and processes data. The controller
170 controls the power supply from a battery to internal structural
elements. In particular, a controller 170 according to the present
invention controls such that an operation mode-setting menu is
displayed. If an operation mode is selected from an operation
mode-setting menu by the user, the controller 170 operates in the
selected operation mode. Specifically, the controller 170 controls
such that only a screen associated with the selected operation mode
is displayed. Hereinafter, various embodiments associated with the
function of the controller 170 will be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the foregoing mobile terminal
further includes various additional modules according to provision
forms. That is, when the mobile terminal is a communication
terminal, it includes constructions that are not mentioned such as
a near distance communication module for near distance
communication, an interface exchanging data in a wired
communication scheme or a wireless communication scheme of the
mobile terminal 100, an Internet communication module communicating
with an Internet to perform an Internet function, and a digital
broadcasting module receiving and broadcasting digital broadcast.
Since the structural elements can be changed in various ways, no
elements can be listed. However, the portable terminal includes
structural elements equivalent to the foregoing structural
elements. Further, the terminal of the present invention may be
substituted by specific constructions in the foregoing arrangements
according to the provided form or another structure. This can be
understood to those skilled in the present art.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in step 201, a mobile
terminal is in a screen off state. That is, in step 201, a
controller 170 controls power supply to a display unit 130 to
turn-off a screen of the display unit 130. In this state, the
controller 170 determines whether a key signal for screen on is
generated in step 202. When a screen on key signal is not generated
at step 202, the controller 170 maintains a screen off state.
Conversely, when the screen on key signal is generated, the
controller 170 controls such that a locked screen including a
profile icon is displayed in step 203. Here, the profile icon is an
icon for displaying an operation mode-setting menu.
[0032] Next, in step 204, the controller 170 determines whether a
touch event for selecting the profile icon is generated. When the
touch event for selecting the profile icon is not generated at step
204, the controller 170 determines whether a touch event for
releasing lock of a screen in step 205. When the touch event for
lock release is not generated at step 205, the controller 170
proceeds to step 206. The controller 170 determines whether a key
signal for screen off is generated in step 206. When a screen off
key signal is not generated at step 206, the controller 170 returns
to step 204. Conversely, when the screen off key signal is
generated, the controller 170 controls power supply to the display
unit 130 to turn-off the screen of the display unit 130 and the
process returns to step 201. When no touch events are generated for
a predetermined time at step 206, the controller 170 controls power
supply to the display unit 130 to turn-off the screen of the
display unit 130 and the process returns to step 201. When the
touch event of lock release is generated at step 205, the
controller 170 controls such that a screen associated with a preset
operation mode is displayed in step 207.
[0033] When the touch event for selecting the icon at step 204, the
controller 170 controls such that a profile list is displayed to
overlap a locked screen in step 208. That is, the controller 170
controls such that a profile list including setting values by
operation modes is displayed as illustrated in the Table 1. Next,
the controller 170 determines whether a touch event for selecting a
profile is generated in step 209. When the touch event for
selecting the profile is not generated at step 209, the controller
170 returns to step 204. Specifically, if the user touches a part
other than the profile list on a screen, the touchscreen 110
generates and transfers a touch event associated therewith to the
controller 170. The controller 170 then controls such that a
profile list disappears in step 209 and the process returns to step
204. Conversely, when the touch event for selecting a profile is
generated, the controller 170 controls such that a keypad is
displayed in step 210. The controller 170 controls such that
windows for displaying a password input through a keypad are
displayed. The controller 170 then controls such that a certain
symbol instead of the input password is displayed on a window.
[0034] The controller 170 then determines whether the input
password agrees with a stored password in step 211. When the input
password is not equivalent to the stored password at step 211, the
controller 170 controls the display unit 130 to output a message
requesting repeated input in step 212, and again receives input of
the password in step 210. When the input password agrees with the
stored password at step 211, the controller 170 sets an operation
mode of the mobile terminal as an operation mode corresponding to
the selected profile in step 213, and the process returns to step
204.
[0035] The foregoing embodiment illustrates a method for operating
a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Hereinafter, a method for operating a mobile terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to a screen example of FIG.
3.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for operating a mobile terminal,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to
FIG. 3, if a side key is pushed in a screen off state by a user, a
key input unit 120 generates and transfers a screen on signal
associated therewith to the controller 170. The controller 170 then
controls such that a locked screen 302 with a profile icon 301 is
displayed. In this state, if the profile icon 301 is tapped by the
user, the touchscreen 110 generates and transfers a touch event
associated therewith to the controller 170. Then, the controller
170 controls such that a profile list 303 is displayed to overlap
the locked screen. If one profile 304 is tapped among a plurality
of profiles in a state that the profile list 303 is displayed, the
touchscreen 110 generates and transfers a touch event for selecting
a profile associated therewith to the controller 170. The
controller 170 then controls such that the profile list 303
disappears, and controls such that a keypad (not shown) and a
window 305 for displaying a password input through it are
displayed.
[0037] If a confirm button 306 is tapped by the user in a state
that a window 304 is displayed, the controller 170 determines
whether the input password agrees with the stored password. If the
input password is not equivalent to the stored password, the
controller 170 controls such that a message requesting a repeated
input in a state that display of the window 305 maintains.
Conversely, if the input password is equivalent to the stored
password, the controller 170 controls such that the window 305
disappears. That is, the controller 170 displays only a locked
screen 302. If the user drags a predetermined part of a locked
screen 302 for releasing screen lock (as shown in step 307) in this
state, the controller 170 automatically performs an application
corresponding to a set operation mode, for example, a call
application, as shown in FIG. 3, and switches a screen from a
locked screen 302 to a call screen 308. In this state, the user
uses only a limited function of various functions of the mobile
terminal. That is, the controller 170 controls such that a call
screen 308 with a keypad 309, a window 310, a call button 311, and
a release button 312 is displayed to use only a call function. The
call screen 308 further includes a profile icon 313. Moreover, the
controller 170 does not respond to any key signals and touch events
other than input for resetting screen off, call and operation mode.
As illustrated above, when there is a plurality of applications
corresponding to a set operation mode, the controller 170 displays
a screen including icons corresponding to respective applications
of the set operation mode.
[0038] As illustrated above, in a method for operating a mobile
terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, while
a locked screen is displayed, a user sets an operation mode of the
mobile terminal and switch a locked screen to a screen of the set
operation mode. A modified embodiment of a method for operating a
mobile terminal will now be described in detail with reference to a
screen example of FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a mobile terminal
according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 4, the display unit 130 displays a call screen 401
according to a call mode of various limited modes. In this state,
if a profile icon 402 is tapped, the controller 170 controls such
that the profile list 430 is displayed overlapping the call screen
401. If one profile 404 is tapped from a plurality of profiles in a
state that the profile list 403 is displayed, the touchscreen 110
generates and transfers a touch event for selecting a profile
associated therewith to the controller 170. The controller 170 then
controls such that the profile list 403 disappears, and a keypad
(not shown) and a window 405 are displayed. If a confirm button 406
is tapped by a user in a state that the window 405 is displayed,
the controller 170 determines whether an input password is the same
as a stored password. If the input password is not the same as the
stored password, the controller 170 controls such that a message
requesting repeated input is output in a state that display of the
window 405 maintains. However, if the input password is the same as
the stored password, the controller 170 controls such that the
window 405 disappears. Further, the controller 170 controls such
that a screen 406 of a reset operation mode is displayed instead of
the call screen 401. Screen 406 of the reset operation mode is a
home screen including a plurality of application execution icons as
shown in FIG. 4 not an execution screen of a certain application.
If one is selected from a plurality of application execution icons
by the user, the controller 170 controls such that a corresponding
application is executed and an execution screen of the executed
application is displayed. That is, the controller 170 executes only
applications associated with icons displayed on the home screen
406. The home screen 406 includes a profile icon 407.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for operating a mobile terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a method
for operating a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of
the present invention, the controller 170 sets an operation mode
according to a touch gesture of the user. Specifically, referring
to FIG. 5, a display unit 130 displays a locked screen 501. If the
user drags a predetermined part of a locked screen 501 for
releasing screen lock and setting an operation mode in this state,
the controller 170 release lock. Further, the controller 170
controls such that a screen of an operation mode corresponding to a
direction of the drag is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG.
5, if the drag is a first drag 502 directing from the left to the
right, the controller 170 sets an operation mode as a call mode and
displays a call screen 504. In the meantime, if the drag is a
second drag 503 directing from up to down, the controller 170 sets
the operation mode as "My Kids" and displays a "My Kids"
screen.
[0041] This embodiment of the present invention has illustrated
that screen lock is released by the drag and an operation mode is
set according to the direction of the drag. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto. For example, if an operation of
the user is "press," the controller 170 releases screen lock and
set an operation mode as a call mode. Further, if the operation of
the user is "sweep," the controller 170 releases the screen lock
and set an operation mode as a "My Kids" mode, irrespective of a
direction thereof. Moreover, in a further embodiment of the present
invention, the user simply releases screen lock and set an
operation mode by only a touch gesture. Because it is difficult for
the user to memorize a touch gesture by set operation modes, a
touch gesture may be allocated to only an operation mode to be
frequently used of set operation modes. For example, a touch
gesture may be allocated to only a "My Kids" mode including an open
mode of operation modes illustrated in the table 1.
[0042] The foregoing method for operating a mobile phone of the
present invention may be implemented in an executable program
command form by various computer means and be recorded in a
computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording
medium includes a program command, a data file, and a data
structure individually or a combination thereof. The program
command recorded in a recording medium may be designed or
configured for the present invention or be known to a person having
ordinary skill in a computer software field to be used.
[0043] The computer readable recording medium includes Magnetic
Media such as hard disk, floppy disk, or magnetic tape, Optical
Media such as Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) or Digital
Versatile Disc (DVD), Magneto-Optical Media such as floptical disk,
and a hardware device such as ROM. Random Access Memory (RAM),
flash memory storing and executing program commands. Further, the
program command includes a machine language code created by a
complier and a high-level language code executable by a computer
using an interpreter. The foregoing hardware device may be
configured to be operated as one or more software modules to
perform an operation of the present invention.
[0044] In the embodiments of the present invention, the present
invention may easily limit a use right and improve use convenience.
That is, the user may easily change an operation mode of a mobile
terminal according to a use environment.
[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail hereinabove, it should be clearly understood
that many variations and modifications of the basic inventive
concepts herein taught which may appear to those skilled in the
present art will still fall within the spirit and scope of the
present invention, as defined in the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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